1/81Leaning heavily towards a resto appearance on the exterior and interior, Neal Hartz's fresh out '39 coupe hides a 383 stroker motor backed by a Tremec five-speed and 9-inch. The Villa Rica, Georgia-based Ford was a hit with everyone we spoke to.

The 39th NSRA Street Rod Nationals once again rolled into Louisville, Kentucky, the event's 14th visit to the city, and the 11th in succession. The Kentucky Exposition Center provides a perfect location, especially now the exhibit facility complex has been renovated, which houses not just the absolutely huge vendor exhibits but also the food court and Women's World.

It's easy to spend the better part of two days in the exhibit building alone, especially if you're a hands-on builder. The outside swap meet is an added bonus if it's original parts or early tin you're after, though this section seemed a little smaller than last year. In fact finding time to cram everything into the four days can be a problem, what with technical seminars, the Pro's Pick contests, vehicle safety inspections, the Builders' Showcase, evening entertainment in the form of bands in Freedom Hall, and the thousands of street rods present.

The Exposition Center grounds are huge, and there are rods parked or cruising throughout the facility, making it hard to determine whether sitting and watching them go by or jumping in your own and cruising the grounds is the better option to see most of them. We were working (yeah, hard life huh!) and therefore have the luxury of whizzing around in a golf cart shooting cars for posterity but would hate to imagine walking the entire event. Some bemoan the continued return to Louisville, and many could do without the humidity we're sure, but when a facility provides everything needed, including an adjoining theme park, it's hard to see a reason for change.